Ex-Bradford City keeper Richard O'Donnell signs for Derby

The former City keeper last night signed a one-year deal with Derby after his exit from Blackpool.

O’Donnell, who played 137 games in goal for the Bantams between 2018 and 2022, will offer experienced back-up for Jacob Widell Zetterström and Josh Vickers at Pride Park.

“After speaking to the gaffer (John Eustace) and (head of goalkeeping) Paul Clements, it was a really appealing one for me in terms of where I fit in and where my role is,” he told Derby’s club website.

“Before the last couple of years, I've been used to playing week in, week out. I've nearly got to that 500-game mark, which is still a target of mine.

Absolutely delighted to have signed for @dcfcofficial

Excited and proud to represent such a great football club.

Thank you for the warm welcome 🙌🏻 https://t.co/A105NiLG6K — Richard O'Donnell (@RichODonnell23) July 1, 2025

“I’ve had many highlights, starting at my boyhood club Sheffield Wednesday and then playing at Wembley. There's been plenty of ups and plenty of downs.

“That's part of the reason why I'm here, using my experience to help guide everyone through, as well as the already experienced boys who are here.”

O’Donnell, now 36, is currently on 482 EFL appearances and played 41 times in the second tier with Bristol City and Rotherham.

He joined City from Northampton during the brief tenure of Michael Collins and became a popular figure with Valley Parade fans in his four years in BD8.

O’Donnell was released by Mark Hughes in his first summer in charge to make way for Harry Lewis.

He spent a season with Rochdale before joining the Tangerines in 2023, although he was restricted to just 24 appearances in the last two seasons.

Meanwhile, O'Donnell's former City teammate Lee Angol has joined Cheltenham after turning down the chance to stay at Morecambe.

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